Overview & Reviews

If you're thinking about purchasing a vehicle rugged enough to finesse rocky trails, chances are, one make comes to mind: Jeep. This specialty automotive manufacturer has a long history of producing trucks and SUVs capable of off-highway adventures — so much so that the term jeep is used by many to refer to all SUVs, whether the vehicle in question is a true Jeep or not.

Jeep took root in WWII as the name of the now-iconic four-wheel-drive military vehicle produced by Willys-Overland and Ford for the U.S. Army. The name's origin is somewhat of a mystery; popular belief is that it morphed from "GP," or "general purpose," though others have suggested that it was a nickname derived from a character featured in the Popeye comic strip of the time.

The mid-1940s saw the introduction of the first civilian Jeep, the CJ-2A. It offered many features not available on military versions, such as a tailgate, an external fuel cap and a side-mounted spare tire, and was targeted mainly toward farmers and construction workers.

Civilian Jeeps caught on with the public, and by the 1950s, new models such as the CJ-3B and the CJ-5 had been introduced. The CJ-5 had the longest production run of any Jeep vehicle, continuing for 30 years after its introduction in the early '50s. The company changed owners during this decade as Willys-Overland was sold to Kaiser in 1953.

Jeep broke new ground in the 1960s with the debut of its Wagoneer. Geared toward active families, this early SUV was the first four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission. A new "Dauntless" V6 became available as an option on the CJ-5 and CJ-6 in 1965. This was the first time that a Jeep CJ could be equipped with a V6. Packing 155 horses, the engine's horsepower almost doubled that offered by the standard four-cylinder.

By the 1970s, Jeep had changed ownership yet again, with the purchase of Kaiser-Jeep by American Motors Corporation. New models like the CJ-7 and the Scrambler were rolled out. Additionally, the company unveiled some new technology with the introduction of the world's first automatic full-time four-wheel-drive system. Dubbed Quadra-Trac, it was available in the CJ-7 as well as in full-size Jeep trucks and wagons. During this decade, Jeep's fortunes soared as four-wheel-drive vehicles became increasingly popular with large sections of American buyers.

The 1980s saw the introduction of the Cherokee and Wrangler. The Cherokee was one of the first of the new breed of SUVs — high-riding midsize wagons that skyrocketed in popularity as the decade progressed. The Wrangler replaced the CJ series in 1987 and offered the raw functionality of the CJ along with more comfort features. That year also saw the purchase of American Motors by Chrysler, with the Jeep brand becoming part of Chrysler's Jeep/Eagle division. One of Jeep's most popular models, the Grand Cherokee, debuted for 1993. This handsome, midsize SUV offered considerably more comfort and luxury than the smaller Cherokee while still providing stout off-road capability.

Jeep fell under the umbrella of DaimlerChrysler after Chrysler and Daimler-Benz merged in 1998. This partnership resulted in a few new models, such as the Liberty and Compass, though none were able to attain great sales success. In 2007, Daimler sold the Chrysler Group to a private equity firm. It is now under control of Fiat.

More recently, the company has added a couple of enticing models to its lineup (including a four-door version of the Wrangler and the pavement-scorching Grand Cherokee SRT8) and made substantial performance and quality improvements under the hoods and within the cabins. As such, we expect Jeep will not only maintain a loyal group of customers but will also bring new fans into the fold.

User Reviews:

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  Would not recommend any Jeep product - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Patty - October 15 - 8:16 am

  Jeep has poor service when it comes to recalls. Have only 3700 and already has a recall on the vehicle. After seeing other reviews on here I think we will be trading it in and it wont be on any Chrysler product. Chrysler and their dealerships dont seem to care if your vehicle is fixed or not. They have a bad attitude and could care less if they fix your vehicle.

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  best car ever! - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By debruins - October 14 - 4:03 pm

  I love my Jeep. First off though to improve performance and driveability I added lots of upgrades for the engine to get better performance, and better stability with much better shocks. I added lift and a winch and 33s as well as add a trunk, a Tuffy console, and a better sound system. It is now the perfect car. it does great on road for a JEEP and amazing off road. For those who dont get the Jeep thing it is too bad for you, buy a Land Rover.

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  New Jeep Commander - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By the rogers - October 14 - 2:16 am

  So far we love this vehicle. Its the limited 5.7l with the Hemi. This thing will move! Very luxurious inside and out.

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  Love my HEMI GC! - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By HEMICHICK - October 13 - 8:16 am

  I absolutely love my 2008 Grand Cherokee Limited 4wd. It is so much more fun to drive than my IS300 and either of the Acura TLs I had before. It fits my needs perfectly and also is great to drive. Nothing else can really compare to it! My father has owned several Jeeps and I will definitely purchase another one. Next one will be a SRT8 though :)

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  Its a JEEP! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Ba50mF - October 12 - 4:46 pm

  Ive always wanted a Jeep and this has not disappointed. I bought used with 32,000 miles on it. Ive had the vehicle for 6 months now and it is excellent in the snow. Its comfortable and tall, but not too narrow of a wheelbase. The only drawback is gas mileage, but its a real suv not, a fwd wannabe. The 4wd is amazing. This is the 2nd 4wd vehicle I have owned and its excellent

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  Mini Jungle Jeep - 2016 Jeep Renegade
  By Jungle Jeep - October 12 - 8:10 am

  Ive had my 2016 75th FWD Jungle Green Renegade for a month and I can say I love it. Steering is precise, brakes are highly responsive and the ride is more comfortable than expected. Though I didnt think I would like the My Sky Dual Sunroof, I love it and would definitely recommend it. For those that complain about the 2.4 Tigershark engine, If your expecting a V6 performance then this vehicle is not for you. The engine is not as refined true but its a mute point for regular drivers since you cant truly tell the difference other than the delay of the transmission when split second power is needed. I do like the transmission though you do need to step on the gas a little harder for it to upshift for quick passing maneuvers, so unless your an agressive driver it wont bother you. They styling I think is perfect and Im amazed that now I can park anywhere since its so compact but it doesnt feel that way when youre inside. My only complaint is the Beats audio, it seems all audio comes from the front dash speakers and subwoofer is pathetic. Jeep shouldnt have let Beats audio into the vehicle, Ive tested a 2015 and that premium audio is way better. Overall Jeep has done a good job and I hope they start offering the Jungle Green color for all trims because if they did I would have purchased the Trailhawk.

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  Cover Up Your Condenser or Pony Up $700 - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Matt W. - October 11 - 3:46 am

  This is my third Jeep. I love the Hemi (dislike the poor gas mileage), the updated styling and the ride. However, beware. My wife was driving our Overland on a highway (not off road), couldnt avoid a blown tire (re-tread) laying in the roadway. Unbelievably, a piece of the re-tread flipped up into the unprotected AC condenser area (that huge, open area just under your front bumper) and barely punctured the condenser. The outcome? A $700 repair bill and me jerry-rigging (with gardening wire I bought at Lowes) a protection screen for this exposed area. INCREDIBLY POOR design for an alleged "rough/tough" $40,000 off-road SUV. Unbelievable - a warning to all to "cover up your condenser"

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  Stay Away: - 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By trade99 - October 10 - 4:24 am

  The worst car that I every bought in my 36 year driving career. I have talked four people out of getting this car already and will continue to do so. Not comfortable, little driver seat that feels like an oversized toddler car seat, dangerous to drive because of limited visibility through side rear windows, steering controls broke three times and the car does not stop quickly in the snow. I almost got into a accident this past winter because the car did not stop and I ran into an intersection. The price for the car is reasonable but you pay for what you get. I have not gotten any positive help from the Chrysler Corporate Office and they only "pass the buck." Stay away!!! Thank you.

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  Acceleration problems - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By - October 9 - 6:12 pm

  Love my Commander...got it new in 2008. This morning I got the scare of my life. Started the vehicle, drove to the back of the house, to picked up my utility trailer. As I was leaving the drive way, the accelerator got jammed. The vehicle went out of control (live on dirt road) and raced full speed ahead. First reaction was to hit the brakes... that helped a little, quickly put it in neutral and turn the key off. Got my conposure, and started the vehicle again. It went right back to a very, very fast acceleration. Turn it off and called dealership to have it tow to be serviced. Has anyone ever had this kind of problem ???

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  Gas guzzler - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By michelle - October 9 - 3:30 pm

  I have always driven Expeditions so I was a bit leary about buying this Commander. At first I enjoyed it, just because it was shiney and had the new car smell (you know the puppy smell syndrome) but then I began to realize just how much of a gas guzzler it was and how little power it had. I quickly became very nostalgic for the great get up and go my Expeditions had. I would only recommend this car as a weekend run a round vehicle, not a vehicle for everyday use-unless your last name is Halliburton.